Charcot Foot Support

managing charcot foot pain

Does cold weather make Charcot Foot worse?

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With winter comes cold temperatures and an increase in Charcot Foot pain for many of us. While not everyone with Charcot Foot notices a change during the winter months, for those who do the impact can be significant.

“I never understood what people meant when they would say the cold made their bones and joints hurt,” Jessie said. “Now that I have Charcot Foot I completely understand what they mean. The cold just makes my feet stiff and they hurt. I notice my ankles are rigid and I just don’t move as well. I can’t wait for Spring!”

Other people with Charcot Foot have reported they notice an increase in pain during the winter months. While others report difficulty keeping their feet warm enough.

“My feet are always cold,” Beth said. “Even in the summer when it is 100 degrees outside my feet are freezing. I’m sure it’s because of the poor circulation. But in the winter it is downright miserable. No matter what I do I just can’t keep them warm.”

If you have Charcot Foot and are miserable this winter there are a few things you can do to help thaw your feet out. We reached out to others with Charcot Foot and asked for their feedback on what they have found that helps. Here are a few suggestions:

“Even though I hate the dreaded boot and can wear AFO’s instead I tend to wear my boot more in the winter because it helps keep my foot warm and I feel like it supports my ankle better which lessens the pain,” Jessie said. “If I have to be outside at all for work I will wear the boot no matter what.”

Beth swears by the Tundras Hot Hand Warmers. She says she sticks one in each of her socks when she is at home to keep her feet extra warm. When she is going out she will place one inside her AFO along her shin. She says the heat radiates down her leg and while it doesn’t keep her feet completely warm it does help keep them from turning to ice.

Megan enjoys using this 2 in 1 foot warmer at the end of the day. She says it is a relief to relax and finally get her feet warmed up.

One of our regular readers, Kevin, emailed us and shared these compression socks with us. He says they help reduce his swelling because of the compression but also provide added warmth. He bought them on a whim after seeing them on TV but says they were well worth the investment. We have ordered a few pairs to try and hope they help us too!

Another reader says they try to really focus on their safety during the winter. With increased pain they find their balance is off more than normal. They plan their days around the weather and avoid going out when it is snowy or icy. We agree! Falling on the ice could lead to huge set backs for those of us with Charcot Foot.

We hope some of these suggestions help you! Just remember, eventually Spring will come. Hang in there until it does.

Should I take pain medication for my Charcot Foot?

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Should you take pain medication if you have Charcot Foot? It’s a question we have received from a couple of different readers. The interesting thing is some people with Charcot Foot report absolutely no pain because of the neuropathy they have and then others report a good deal of pain. Those who do have pain report chronic pain which makes the question of using pain medication a difficult one to answer.

Pros and Cons of Pain Medication

The obvious pro when it comes to considering pain medication is the fact that pain medication can relieve pain. None of us want to experience pain so it is an obvious benefit to be able to have the pain reduced. However, it’s important to consider the downside to pain medication.

Pain medication is incredibly addictive. When you are already battling so many health conditions the risk of addiction must be considered. Addiction will only increase the troubles you are currently facing due to Charcot Foot.

You also have to be realistic about the effectiveness of pain medication. Pain medication can relieve some pain but it doesn’t eliminate it completely. It’s important to weigh the benefits and risks before taking pain medication.

Additionally, pain serves a purpose. It is a clear indicator to us that something is wrong. Pain can tell us the shoes we are wearing don’t fit right, it can tell us we have walked to far for the day or stood too long. It can indicate a new fracture or wound that needs attention. Using pain medication can prevent us from recognizing problems quickly and addressing them.

Managing pain without pain medication

There are ways to manage Charcot Foot pain without medication. There are several pain relieving creams which can be applied to your feet which can help. We even did a more in-depth review of some pain management options here.

Soaking your feet in Epsom Salt is a wonderful way to reduce pain and swelling. It can also help you relax which will in turn reduce pain. You should never soak your feet if you have any open wounds or sores. After a foot soak make sure you dry your feet completely and apply lotion.

There are over the counter pain relievers which can be helpful. It is important to talk with your doctor before taking them to ensure they won’t cause problems if you have other health concerns, like kidney problems.

Elevate your feet and go non-weight bearing as much as possible! We know it is annoying but one of the best ways to reduce pain is to get off your feet and elevate them. Think toes above nose. While you are resting those feet listen to a relaxing guided meditation to help you relax.

Talk with your doctor about pain medication

Always talk with your doctor about using pain medication. Have a frank discussion about your concerns, the risks associated with pain medication and the possible benefits. No one knows your body and your pain better than you. It is your job to educate your doctor on what you are experiencing so they can provide the best guidance.

It can be helpful to keep a journal or calendar documenting your pain prior to appointments with your doctor. You may notice a spike in pain at night or over the weekend. By documenting you can identify trends and help provide your doctor with a clear view of what you are experiencing.

What ways do you manage Charcot Foot pain? If you have found a tactic that works for you and would like to share it with others please contact us. Additionally, if you have a question you would like answered, please reach out to us. You can see our response to previous questions about how to explain Charcot Foot to others.